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To loop a video on YouTube Live, set the loop in your encoder—not in YouTube. In OBS, add the file as a Media Source and enable Loop; for a playlist, use a VLC Video source and enable Loop Playlist. Then send OBS’s feed to YouTube using your stream URL and key. Treat that key like a password, and reset it in YouTube Studio if it may have been exposed.
What looping on YouTube Live actually does
YouTube receives a live video feed from an encoder such as OBS. The encoder’s media source repeats the video; YouTube does not loop a file on its own. A loop only repeats the media while the encoder continues sending the feed—it does not make a broadcast self-sustaining if the computer, OBS, or connection stops.
Before you start
- A local video file, or VLC installed if you plan to loop a playlist through OBS’s VLC Video source.
- OBS and access to your YouTube channel’s Live Control Room.
- A verified YouTube channel with no live-stream restrictions in the past 90 days. YouTube’s general live-stream guidance also lists a minimum age of 16; check current eligibility before planning a broadcast. First-time live-stream activation may take up to 24 hours. YouTube: Get started with live streaming
- Permission to broadcast every video and audio track in the material. A file being available to you does not establish that you have streaming rights. YouTube: Manage live stream settings
Set up a one-video loop in OBS
- Create or select a YouTube stream. In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create a stream or select one you intend to use. In Stream settings, copy the stream URL and stream key.
- Configure OBS to send to YouTube. In OBS, open Settings → Stream, choose YouTube if available, and enter the key in the stream-key field. If using a custom server configuration, enter the stream URL and key in the corresponding fields. Do not display the key on screen.
- Add the video. In your scene’s Sources panel, select + → Media Source. Create a source, browse to the local video file, and enable Loop in the source properties. OBS’s Loop option is off by default and replays the file after it finishes. OBS: Media Sources
- Check the scene. Confirm the video appears in the preview and that its audio is audible at an appropriate level. Keep overlays, alerts, and other sources out of the scene unless you intend them to repeat or remain visible throughout the broadcast.
- Start the feed, then go live if required. Select Start Streaming in OBS. For a scheduled stream, YouTube’s encoder instructions say to wait for the preview in Live Control Room and then select Go live. Check the stream’s visibility and other settings before confirming. YouTube: Stream using an encoder
Loop a playlist instead of one file
- Install VLC. OBS notes that a 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC for the VLC source.
- In OBS, add a VLC Video source from the Sources panel and add the files in the order you want them to play.
- Enable Loop Playlist in the source properties, then check the OBS preview and audio before streaming. The playlist repeats after it reaches the end. OBS: Media Sources
Choose Media Source for one file and VLC Video when you need a sequence of files. The built-in Media Source avoids the separate VLC dependency; the playlist option requires VLC.
Keep the YouTube stream key private
YouTube describes stream keys as “your YouTube stream’s password and address.” The key identifies where the encoder should send the feed and lets YouTube accept it. YouTube: Manage live stream settings
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Paste the key only into OBS’s stream settings. Do not show the key or its settings field in a screenshot, screen recording, public post, or live output.
- Limit channel administrative access to people you trust, as YouTube advises in its streaming safety tips. YouTube: Streaming safety tips
- If the key may have been exposed, open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, select Stream, and reset the key. Replace the old key in OBS before streaming again. YouTube says only a channel owner or manager can reset it. YouTube: Manage live stream settings
- A custom stream key can be reused. If you reuse stream settings, review the copied key, visibility, metadata, and other settings before starting the next broadcast.
Set visibility separately from key security
Keeping the key private protects the ability to send a feed to your channel; it does not determine who can watch. YouTube offers Public, Private, and Unlisted visibility. Choose the appropriate setting in the Live Control Room. YouTube says the default is Private for users aged 13–17 and Public for adults 18 or older, so check the setting rather than relying on a default. YouTube: Manage live stream settings
Plan for long streams and archives
YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived; streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. If preserving the full recording matters, keep a local recording as a backup rather than relying on the automatic archive. YouTube: Archive live streams
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Common problems and fixes
- The video plays once and stops. Open the Media Source properties and turn on Loop. For a playlist, check Loop Playlist on the VLC Video source.
- YouTube does not receive the stream. Verify that OBS is streaming to the intended YouTube account and that the stream URL and key match the stream selected in Live Control Room. If the key was reset, update it in OBS.
- The scheduled stream has a preview but is not public yet. Follow YouTube’s scheduled-stream workflow: after the preview appears, select Go live in Live Control Room.
- The VLC source is unavailable or fails to load. Install VLC and make sure its architecture matches OBS; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- The archive is missing or incomplete. A stream exceeding 12 hours may not be captured by YouTube’s automatic archive. Use a local recording backup for material you need to preserve.
- You need a different transport protocol. HLS is optional, not required for this basic loop workflow. YouTube documents HLS as higher latency than RTMP and specifies protocol-specific requirements; use its HLS guidance only if your encoder setup calls for it. YouTube Live: HLS ingestion
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep playing uploaded videos without leaving OBS or a home computer running, StreamNeo handles the loop in the cloud: upload a recording or make a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It is YouTube-only and plays uploaded videos, not a camera feed. Nothing has to stay on at home; any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The same product is included at every billing length; only the length changes. Monthly is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or its plans, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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